Swag Bags and Fabulous Meals

There are some days when a writer sits in his or her office and frankly wonders "why bother?" Then there are days when it is

absolutely fantastic to know and be known. I have fortunately had almost an entire week of the latter.

Monday, August 22, 2011 was a day that I have been preparing for and looking forward to for months. Louisiana Cookin' Magazine, of which I am a writer for, hosted the 10th Annual Chefs to Watch Awards Dinner at Harrah's Casino, proceeds benefiting Cafe Reconcile. With dress and husband in tow, we traveled from Shreveport to New Orleans the day before the event. I took notes for research as we spent hours riding and listening to jazz. We made it to the swanky Le Pavillon Hotel "the belle of New Orleans". It was the first hotel to in the city to have an elevator and also is home to the largest gas lantern in the country...as well as its share of ghosts (of which I had no encounters, darn!).

After an incredible meal at Chef John Besh's French restaurant Luke in the CBD, a night of jazz at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse (Love Sessions, a trumpet battle between Irvin and

Kermit Ruffins), it was finally time for the Chefs to Watch Dinner.

My husband and I got "gussied up" in our finest and took a cab t

o the casino. The theater of Harrah's was set up for an evening of fine dining fit for royalty. We were seated at a table with the General Manager and Business Manager of Cafe Reconcile as well as six other fabulous people I am now happy to call friends. We all dined on passed hors d'oeuvres, 5 of the best courses I've ever eaten, 4 different wines, and 1 shot of whiskey. (I was fortunate of being capable of walking without trouble in my heels to the restroom in between the salad and entree) By the end of the evening, the guests at our table were swapping contact information, giving hugs, and hauling lime green swag bags full of Louisiana culinary products, including an 8oz. can of chipotle baked beans. (look out muggers!)

We had been back in Shreveport an hour when I had to turn around and host a dinner at Ristorante Giuseppe for my book club chapter with special guest, author and the belle of all things Southern, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson. She had driven all the way from Lake Providence, LA to be with us and it was truly an incredible evening! There was plenty of eating and swapping stories to go around!

As the week is coming to a close, I am looking back at what a wonderful time I have had and how fortunate I am to do what I do. The weekend is approaching and I plan on trying a second time to meet Swamp People stars Troy and Jacob Landry. I will also be hosting a dinner at my church with local writer and great friend Judy Christie. Next week, I am sure to be getting back to the world of typing and researching, but for right now...I am Carey Weeks, writer and journalist.